The UK cast of 9 to 5: The Musical delivered a moving tribute to Dolly Parton during their performance on Tuesday evening, following the country music legend’s death at the age of 80.
Ms Parton’s representative confirmed to People that the iconic singer-songwriter had endured a “brief battle with cancer” before her passing.
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Ahead of the curtain rising at Worthing theatre, lead actress Karla Tracey addressed the audience.
The announcement prompted audible gasps from theatregoers who were only just learning of the singer’s death.
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The performance was then dedicated entirely to the woman who originally wrote and produced the musical.
“Before we begin tonight’s performance of 9 to 5, we would like to take a moment to remember the remarkable Dolly Parton, who has sadly passed away today,” Ms Tracey told the stunned audience.
The actress, who portrays Doralee Rhodes, the role Ms Parton herself inhabited in the 1980 film, went on to acknowledge Ms Parton’s contribution to the show.
“9 to 5 was originally written and produced by Dolly, whose extraordinary talent, creativity, and spirit are woven into every part of this work,” she said.
The musical theatre star added that the cast would perform “with great respect and affection for the woman whose vision brought it to life.”
She concluded by dedicating the evening’s show to Ms Parton “with our deepest thanks for the music, laughter, and joy she gave us”.
The late singer’s co-stars from the original 9 to 5 film also expressed their grief on social media.
Lily Tomlin posted a black-and-white photograph of herself with Ms Parton on Instagram, captioning it: “No words.”
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Jane Fonda shared her own image alongside Ms Parton, writing: “I am devastated.”
In her tribute, Ms Fonda added: “Dolly will always be with us because she was so present, so powerful, so generous and playful that she is woven into all our lives and hearts forever.”
Both women starred opposite Ms Parton in the beloved 1980 comedy that inspired the stage musical.
At the time of her death, the country music legend had been working on a brand new musical built around some of her most celebrated songs, which was due to begin preview performances at the St. James Theatre in New York City later this year.
Tributes have continued to pour in from across the entertainment world following her death, with Sir Tom Jones, Taylor Swift, Sir Paul McCartney and Sir Elton John among those remembering the country music icon.
Ms Swift praised Ms Parton as embodying “true grace and true grit”, while Sir Elton said he was “shocked and devastated” by the loss of an artist he described as “unique and irreplaceable”.
Sir Tom shared his own emotional tribute, saying Ms Parton’s death had left “a great emptiness” and praising her “angelic but powerful voice”.
Meanwhile, Sir Paul admitted it was “difficult to take in the news”, hailing Ms Parton’s songwriting, singing and philanthropy as “unrivalled in the world of country music”.
Beyoncé, Oprah Winfrey, Zendaya and JK Rowling were also among the famous faces paying tribute.
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